CEO Professor Graham Galloway said NIF was a national network that provided open access to world-class imaging infrastructure that allowed researchers to study humans, animals, plants, and materials.

Regardless of their institutions, researchers have access to NIF’s instruments and imaging experts, enabling multi-disciplinary projects and collaborations.

“With our partners, we are building a research ecosystem that delivers not only physical infrastructure, but also expertise through facility staff who work with researchers on projects,” he said.

An example of such a project is Australia’s first multi-centre dementia study , which aims to improve diagnosis of neurodegenerative disease. The project, led by the CSIRO, involves two NIF 7T MRIs and staff at the CAI and the University of Melbourne.

Access to these instruments has enabled researchers to look at the human brain with an exceptional level of detail.

Professor Galloway said the network’s innovative research depended on top-quality infrastructure and knowledgeable staff.